IPS Employment Specialist

FCC Behavioral Health • Poplar Bluff, MO

6d

About The Position

This position is a professional staff member of a multidisciplinary team that assists individuals with employment goals. The Employment Specialist also works in the community as a job developer, helping people pursue and maintain competitive employment in community job settings in accordance with the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business.
• For direct care staff, working knowledge of diagnostic criteria sets for substance use and/or mental disorders.
• Ability to communicate information orally, effectively, and accurately.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with people with severe mental illnesses.
• Experience providing employment services.
• Knowledge of the work world.

Responsibilities

• Engage individuals in pursuing competitive employment in community job settings.
• Help individuals obtain information about how employment may affect benefits such as SSI or Medicaid; refer them to benefits counseling as needed and assist with reporting earnings when needed.
• Assess vocational functioning on an ongoing basis using background information and work experiences.
• With permission, provide education and support to family members.
• Discuss an individual’s psychiatric status with employers if the individual wishes to disclose it.
• Conduct job development and job-search activities to help individuals find positions that match their interests and needs, following IPS supported employment principles and procedures.
• Conduct at least six face-to-face employer contacts per week.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to help individuals maintain employment.
• Write job support plans with individuals served, incorporating input from the mental health team, and adjust plans according to individual needs and preferences.
• With an individual’s agreement and consent, educate and support employers, including negotiating job accommodations and arranging follow-along contact.
• Meet face-to-face with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least monthly to coordinate services for individuals served.
• For direct care staff: adhere to applicable evidence-based practice models and demonstrate working knowledge of diagnostic criteria for substance use and/or mental disorders.
• Communicate information orally, effectively, and accurately.
• Ensure program operations comply with applicable agency certification standards (CARF and DMH) and the strategic plan related to clinical care.
• Follow program and agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other assigned job duties and special projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time